Windsurfer goes missing in Tauranga

A windsurfer who sparked concern after disappearing from Matua was the subject of search and rescue operation yesterday.

Tauranga police were alerted to a report of a suspected missing windsurfer from Ferguson Park in Matua in the afternoon.

The windsurfer was seen sailing at about 4.30pm off the park but could not be seen a short time later. The windsurfer's vehicle was still at the park over an hour later and other windsurfers called police due to their concerns for his well being.

Tauranga Coastguard and the Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter where called in to assist in the search.

Enquiries with the missing person's family revealed he had intended sailing over to pilot bay and was running back to get his vehicle.

The windsurfer later informed police this was always his intention and admitted leaving a trip intention note in his vehicle would have been a wise move.